Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom,
B.D., (13th September, 2018) on the Gospel and the Memorial
1Cor 8:1-7.11-13;
Ps 138:1-3.13-14.23-24. (R. v. 24);Lk 6:27-38.
Saint John, named Chrysostom (golden-mouthed) on
account of his eloquence was born in Antioch of Christian parents, about the
year 344. He studied rhetoric under Libanius. In 374, he began to lead the life
of an anchorite in the mountains near Antioch, but in 386 the poor state of his
health forced him to return to Antioch, where he was ordained a priest. In 398,
he was elevated to the See of Constantinople and became one of the greatest
lights of the Church. He was exiled on account of the accusations against him
from his enemies. The Pope remaining with him consoled him. He was later banished
further to the very extremity of the Empire (Pythius). He died on his way there
on September 14, 407.[1]
Saint John is the patron saint of Constantinople, education, epilepsy,
lecturers, orators, and preachers. He is venerated in Roman Catholic Church, Eastern
Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy, and Church of the East.[2]
Topic: What a difficult task.
We read from today’s gospel in part,
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those
who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the
cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not
withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone
takes away your goods, do not ask for them again (Lk 6:27-30)
Judging from the world we live in, one wonders whether Jesus
really mean these or were they part of His parables. Remember His words, “If
any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and
children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my
disciple” (Lk 14:26).
Jesus was not joking. He only stated the fact that we must bear
in mind always. Christianity is a way of life. Although it is not an easy way but
we must remember also what God has prepared for those who love him like Saint John
Chrysostom we celebrate today, cf. 1Cor
2:9. We must first endure before we can rejoice, cf. 2Tim 2:12.
Bible Reading: Lk
14:25-33.
Thought for today: ...the measure you give will be the measure you
get back (Lk 6:38).
Let us pray: Lord, give us the strength to live
out our call despite all difficulties – Amen.
Saint John Chrysostom – Pray for us.
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May
God bless you all+
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